Isolation and characterization of pathogenic fungi from the body surface of adult cockroach Periplaneta americana in Kirkuk governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Cockroaches, particularly the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), are known as carriers of various microorganisms, including fungi, due to their preference for warm and humid environments rich in organic matter. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of fungi associated with adult P. americana, L. (Orthroptera: Blattidae), shedding light on potential fungal pathogens or symbionts that could influence the health and possibly impact human environments, which was taken from Kirkuk governorate homes, swages, and menhols. 60 insects were collected from four areas: Alhawja City, Arafa, Shoraw, and Hai-Alnasr. The insects were taken with a hole body, superficially sterilized, and incubated on SDA nutrient medium. 26 isolates were collected, and eight species of fungi were isolated. The identified fungal isolates include Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Beauvaria spp., Candida spp., Penicillum sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, and Rhizopus spp. It was carried on parts of the insect’s body; the study also showed that A. niger was the most common fungus isolated with a density of 19.23% and Candida spp. With the same density.